Paul Scholes urges Ruud van Nistelrooy to leave Man United after making Amad claim

Amad was the darling of Old Trafford on Thursday night after his match-winning double against PAOK belatedly kick-started Manchester United’s Europa League campaign.

His brace marked the first time the 22-year-old had scored twice in a senior United match, trebling his goal tally for the season in the process. Amad was starting his first game under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, who manages United for the final time on Sunday.

Amad has put himself in contention to start the clash with Leicester City and has won the support of Paul Scholes to do just that. The United legend also urged Van Nistelrooy to consider his next role to be a main manager, despite being willing to stay on as an assistant coach to Ruben Amorim.

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Scholes backs Van Nistelrooy for new job

Scholes has encouraged Van Nistelrooy to think about leaving Old Trafford after his interim spell to take up another job in management, believing that he is too good to be a mere assistant.

The Dutchman oversaw 50 matches at PSV Eindhoven in his first senior managerial position. He left the club in May 2023 citing a lack of support from the board as his reason.

He was brought back to United as an assistant by Erik ten Hag this summer. However, Scholes says he is at risk of wasting his talents.

“I think he should be a manager, he just looks like he is made to be a manager to me,” Scholes told TNT Sports. “I don't think he should be anybody's, not puppet, but I think he is better than an assistant manager.”

MEN Sport says: Van Nistelrooy has yet to be beaten as United interim boss in a streak that stretches to three games. Wins over Leicester in the League Cup and PAOK in Europe were expected but the draw with Chelsea was commendable.

The performances in each match have not exuded much encouragement but it is hard to disagree that Van Nistelrooy has the persona to be a head coach again elsewhere. His love for United is clear but it does seem a waste - for his sake - to not explore his scope as a manager after this experience.

Scholes: Amad must start vs Leicester

Scholes also believes Amad deserves to start Sunday’s clash with Leicester after his exciting display against PAOK. Both Marcus Rashford (four goals) and Alejandro Garnacho (five) have scored more than Amad this season, who has started just seven of United’s 16 games so far.

However, Scholes says the Ivorian’s display on Thursday should mean he is named in Sunday’s line-up, provided the issue that forced him off before full-time against PAOK is not serious.

Speaking just after the final whistle, Scholes stated: “We saw him get a little bit of a knock, I am sure he will be ready to play on Sunday and that performance warrants it.”

MEN Sport says: Amad is not the finished product but he always excites and is positive, which puts him on a better footing than some alternative wing options. He ranks second within Europe’s top five leagues for ball-progressing runs - i.e. positive forward play.

The youngster does deserve to start at the weekend due to his superb brace and would put himself in a great position for good first impressions under Amorim should he put in another tantalising outing having started a game - something not always seen in the past.